Chapter 44: Time Stasis Clock

In the dead silence, the audience's panic gradually turned into heated chatter,

Like a tranquil lake suddenly stirred by wind and clouds, raising towering waves.

"My god, I feel as if the whole world has frozen, like an invisible hand clutching my throat."

An audience member exclaimed emotionally, fear flashing in his eyes.

Another clenched his fists, his emotions raging:

"That feeling is like the soul shackled by iron chains, a bone‑deep helplessness more terrifying than death!"

"The SSS-level Artifact, Time Stasis Clock, completely overturns my understanding—it's control over time and space."

The bespectacled man with a scholarly air spoke slowly.

The Mysterious Judge's voice rang out again:

"The Time Stasis Clock is not merely an artifact!"

At that point, the Mysterious Judge's words cut off abruptly, and he said nothing more.

Zhang Cheng, prompted by the System, quickly bit his finger,

a drop of his vital blood shot onto the Time Stasis Clock, completing the artifact's recognition of its master!

After the artifact recognizes its master, the user is no longer the one wielding it,

but rather its master!

Then Zhang Cheng reached out toward the Time Stasis Clock.

Miraculously, the clock visibly shrank before his eyes,

ultimately becoming a miniature version that flew straight into Zhang Cheng's palm.

As for the Gravity Factor, it was packed in a super‑precise suitcase, and Zhang Cheng had no intention of opening it.

The team leaders from other nations stood on tiptoe, green light flashing in their eyes, clearly eager to see what the Gravity Factor looks like.

But Zhang Cheng stubbornly refused to give them that chance.

This is the prize he won in the challenge tournament.

How could he casually let others see it?

This move instantly angered the audiences of the Xiao Han Republic and the Great Hero Nation.

"Baka, Dragon Nation's contestant has such a small temperament? Winning a prize and can't even let us have a look?"

"The Gravity Factor can propel scientific research on gravity forward a crucial step; it doesn't belong solely to Dragon Nation—Dragon Nation should disclose it to the whole world!"

"Asi ba, I think the Great Hero Nation's people are right; such a thing that can advance human technology should be shared, so we can raise the world's tech level together!"

"Dragon Nation used to say the world is one family; is that just lip‑service, unable to be put into practice?"

"Exactly, we can ignore the SSS-level Artifact, but the Gravity Factor—Dragon Nation, just share it!"

"This concerns the progress of all humanity; it should belong to everyone!"

"Right! Great Hero Nation hopes Dragon Nation will hand over the Gravity Factor!"

"We in the Xiao Han Republic think the same!"

One must admit,

when it comes to shamelessness and being a rogue, the people of Xiao Han Republic and Great Hero Nation are unbeatable.

They even dare to say that the prize they won should be contributed!

The leaders of other nations, however, remained silent,

each quietly staring at Zhang Cheng.

If possible, they too would love to obtain the Gravity Factor.

This level of technology, once mastered, is vital to a nation's development.

Zhang Cheng sneered, turned his head toward the Great Hero Nation and Xiao Han Republic, and casually tossed out,

"A bunch of dimwits!"

It was a simple, blunt insult.

yet it gave him full satisfaction.

After the outburst, without looking back, Zhang Cheng walked straight back to Dragon Nation's audience seats.

As for the Xiao Han Republic and Great Hero Nation spectators, he had nothing more to say.

Insulting them feels like losing his own intelligence.

Are these people even normal?

Who among normal people would demand others share a prize they won?

and even use a commanding tone.

The Dragon Nation audience also joined the heckling,

"What a bunch of day‑dreaming idiots."

"Want the Gravity Factor? If you have the skill, defeat us Dragon Nation in the arena! You're too scared to join the challenge, yet you still covet the prize?"

"What's up, you're only good with that broken mouth of yours, always demanding this and that—my bathroom has steaming golden juice, want some?"

"Seeing the way Great Hero Nation and Xiao Han Republic act, they're only fit to drink the north‑west wind for the rest of their lives."

This wave of provocation,

prompted the Great Hero Nation and Xiao Han Republic spectators to jump up in anger.

"Asi ba, what do you mean, you think our Xiao Han Republic isn't a match for Dragon Nation, right!"

"If it weren't for this showdown not involving Great Hero Nation, Dragon Nation would have already been knocked down!"

"What's with the swagger now, thinking you can pass five passes and cut six generals? Forgot to tell you, our Xiao Han Republic's S Rank hasn't even entered the field yet!"

"Great Hero Nation has plenty of terrifying stuff; just pull one out and we can beat Dragon Nation flat!"

The quarrel on site was about to get out of control.

Just at this critical moment,

the Mysterious Judge's voice drifted in,

"Hehe, it seems the Xiao Han Republic and the Great Xiong Nation are impatient and want to jump into battle, huh."

"Fine, I've decided: the next match, 1v2, the Xiao Han Republic and the Great Xiong Nation versus Dragon Nation!"

"If the Xiao Han Republic and the Great Xiong Nation win, the Gravity Factor goes to you."

"If Dragon Nation wins, the Xiao Han Republic and the Great Xiong Nation each pay ten trillion Long Guo Currency, plus voluntarily discard an SS Rank Summoned Creature!"

"All this arguing is pointless; everything must be settled by strength. Prove it with your Summoned Creatures!"

The Mysterious Judge's voice echoed across the sky of the Divine Ghost Killing Arena, filling every corner with the deafening proclamation.

In an instant, the audiences of the Xiao Han Republic and the Great Xiong Nation fell silent.

Especially the team leaders of the two nations, Meng Lingchuanxi and Pu Linyuan, their faces suddenly turned ashen, their hearts a swirl of mixed emotions.

Deep down, they really didn't want to clash head‑on with Dragon Nation so soon in the next battle!

After all, the power Dragon Nation displayed was excessively formidable.

The original plan was to observe covertly first, to get a clear picture of the enemy,

and then strike at the optimal moment, catching Dragon Nation off guard.

However, the public's eager anticipation forced them onto the very edge of the storm,

placing the burden of the next challenge squarely on their shoulders.

"Baka, a bunch of stupid pigs!"

Meng Lingchuanxi turned his back on the Great Xiong Nation crowd, his teeth chattering, his fury boiling but not daring to erupt loudly.

Beside him, Pu Linyuan's complexion was also grim, clearly wracking his brain over how to use Summoned Creatures against Dragon Nation.

At that moment, a ringing bell chimed, and Meng Lingchuanxi answered the phone.

"Spill it quickly, I'm in a terrible mood!"

"Mr. Meng Lingchuanxi, good news: the legendary Red Prajna has been found!"

"What!"

Meng Lingchuanxi's hands trembled with excitement,

"Where was it found? And the summoner who can summon Red Prajna—what did you do to him?"

The voice on the other end whispered low:

"Don't worry, the summoner is now at our base, but this time the situation is different."

"How is it different?"

"The conditions for summoning Red Prajna are extremely stringent."

"How stringent?"

"Deadly!"

Meanwhile, within the Divine Ghost Summoner Alliance back home, the dispute between the Great Xiong Nation and Xiao Han Republic audiences settled the roster for the seventh match. Zhang Cheng clapped approvingly.

"A bunch of arrogant bastards, in the upcoming challenge match I will show no mercy!"

Against the Great Xiong Nation and Xiao Han Republic, only hardline measures will work. Being kind to them is useless,

they will take goodwill as weakness.

But if you are harsh to them, they will not hate you; instead they will worship and revere you.

Historical examples are countless,

such as the mushroom cloud that rose over mainland Japan; they quickly forgot their hatred and began to revere its creator as the boss.

People like that are simply despicable!

"Zhang Cheng, since your arrival, Dragon Nation has been able to rise on the Divine Ghost Killing Arena."

Qin Meng's gaze was full of approval,

"But I must still warn you: Summoned Creatures from other nations must be handled with utmost caution."

"Perhaps on the surface they begin to acknowledge Dragon Nation, but deep down they will never readily consider Dragon Nation a friend."

"Those not of our kind have hearts that differ; you should understand this principle."

Zhang Cheng grasped the meaning; Qin Meng meant that on the Divine Ghost Killing Arena, one cannot be merciful,

the strike must be decisive, leaving no aftermath.

Zhang Cheng knew this well and had already put it into action.

"By the way, Captain Qin, here you go."

Zhang Cheng handed over the time-stasis clock he held, and Qin Meng felt a slight surprise,

"This is your reward; it belongs to you."

"No problem, you keep it."

Zhang Cheng smiled and waved his hand,

"After the Divine Ghost Summoner Alliance was founded, strong defensive measures are needed, and in the short term nothing is more suitable than a time-stasis clock."

"Besides, I have many Summoned Creatures at hand, so I don't need it at all."

Qin Meng was not a timid person; since Zhang Cheng had already stated it, further refusal would be unreasonable.

"Very well, I'll accept it, thank you for everything you've done for the nation."

Qin Meng, with a solemn expression, performed a military salute to Zhang Cheng.

"If that's so, then I will accept it. Thank you for everything you have done for the country."

Qin Meng, with a solemn expression, performed a military salute to Zhang Cheng.

Zhang Cheng likewise straightened his posture, reined in his usual casualness, and returned the greeting earnestly.